Tragedy struck the football community as South African footballer Luke Fleurs was fatally shot in a car hijacking incident, according to police reports.

The 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs star fell victim to the harrowing incident on Wednesday night at a petrol station in the Johannesburg suburb of Florida.

Fleurs was waiting to be attended to when unknown assailants approached him, demanding he exit his vehicle.

Under threat from the gunmen, Fleurs complied, but tragically, he was shot once in the upper body during the ordeal.

One of the suspects then fled the scene with Fleurs' car.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the details, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence.

"The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body," Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told local media.

Kaizer Chiefs, a renowned club in South African football, mourned Fleurs' untimely passing, labeling it as "tragic." The club assured that authorities were handling the matter, promising further updates in due course.

Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed sorrow over yet another life lost to violent crime, highlighting the devastating impact of such incidents on communities.

Fleurs, a talented defender, had joined Kaizer Chiefs last year after a stint with SuperSport United. He had also represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, showcasing his potential on the international stage.

Though Fleurs had not yet made his debut for the senior national team, he was on the verge of doing so, adding to the sense of loss felt by the football fraternity.

The Premier Soccer League announced plans to observe a moment of silence at all top-flight and second-tier games in memory of Fleurs, honoring his contribution to the sport.

South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan lamented the loss, describing it as a blow to Fleurs' family, friends, teammates, and the broader football community.

Football enthusiasts across social media platforms mourned Fleurs' passing, acknowledging his talent and potential as a rising star in South African football.

The tragic incident underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence in South Africa, where such incidents have become alarmingly frequent, reflecting broader challenges with crime and safety in the country.